Electric Element Replacement Instructions for Electric Water Heaters
See Table 4 in this Manual for a List of Applicable Part Numbers
272 Duchaine Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745 508-763-8071
lp-638 Rev. 1.19.17
STOP! Follow these instructions or warranty will be void!
Installation Must Comply With:
1. National Electrical Code
2. In Canada, CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part 1,
and CGA No. B149 (latest version)
3. Local, state, provincial, and national codes, laws,
regulations, and ordinances.
This installation shall be done by a qualied service agency
in accordance with these instructions, all applicable
codes, and requirements of the authority having
jurisdiction. Failure to follow these instructions could result
in substantial property damage, severe personal injury, or
death.
Included with Kit:
NSF Approved Lubricant and Sealant (6060-998)
Electric Element(s) w Square Gasket(s)
Round Gasket(s)
Round Brass Washer(s)
Instructions
Tools and Parts Required (Not Included):
Electric Element Installation Tool or 1 1/2” Deep Socket
Nylon Brush
Phillips Head Screwdriver
3/8 Nut Driver
Installing an Electric Element:
DO NOT replace the heating element(s) with a generic
heating element. Only heating elements from the water
heater manufacturer are approved for use with this water
heater. Failure to follow this warning will result in premature
product failure and VOID the warranty.
Carefully review the table in this manual to ensure the
heating element is compatible with the water heater.
Failure to ensure element to water heater compatibility
could result in operation issues, and/or premature element
or water heater failure. Such failures ARE NOT COVERED
by warranty.
STEP #1 - Turn o power to the water heater. Use a Phillips
Head screwdriver to remove the wires from the element or
thermostat.
Step #3 - Use a 3/8 Nut Driver to remove screws from the
element access cover(s). Remove the insulation to expose
the electric element and wiring. Set aside the access cover(s),
screws, and insulation in a safe place for reinstallation.
NOTE: DO NOT lose the access cover(s), screws, or insulation.
Replacements ARE NOT included with this kit.
Do not proceed with the installation if the water heater
remains powered. Failure to disconnect the power from
the water heater before replacing the heating element
will result in property damage, severe personal injury, or
death due to electric shock.
Step #4 - Remove the element with a 1 1/2” socket wrench or
element tool.
Step #5 - Inspect the removed element. Determine whether the
replacement element will need a square or circular gasket and
washer. See Figure 5.
NOTE: The replacement element must utilize the same gasket
as the removed element. Using the wrong gasket could result in
leaks and property damage. Such damages ARE NOT covered
by product warranty.
Figure 1 - Heating Element Detail
Step #6 - Ensure thread and opening are completely free of
debris. Use a nylon brush to clear away any debris.
Step #7 - Put a small amount of NSF approved lubricant and
sealant on the appropriate gasket and/or washer for the
installation. Put the gasket and/or washer on the element.
Step #8 - Screw the element clockwise into the tank, and
tighten with the 1 1/2” socket wrench or element tool. Be sure
gasket seats properly.
STEP #2 - Run hot water at a faucet in the system. When it
runs cold, shut o the faucet. Then shut o water at the main
cold water inlet or, if possible, valve o the water heater from
the system. Drain the water from the system, or just the water
heater if it can be isolated from the system.
Completely drain the water heater before removing and
replacing a heating element. Failure to do so will result
in a leakage of water and property damage, and could
possibly result in moderate to severe personal injury or
death.
Water drained from the water heater may be scalding
hot. Take care to avoid scalding. Wear gloves and safety
glasses, and direct water to a safe drainage location. Wait
until the water heater has had sufcient time to cool before
proceeding with installation. Failure to comply with this
warning could result in property damage, severe personal
injury, or death.
NOTE: Repeat Steps 3 - 6 as Necessary for Multiple Elements
Step #9 - Open the main cold water inlet. If the water heater has
been isolated from the system, open the valves. Rell the tank
with cold water. Open a hot water faucet high in the system to
bleed any air pressure from the system. Water will ow freely
when air is completely bled.
LP-638 Rev. 1.19.17
2
When lling the water heater, open a hot water tap to release
air in the tank and piping. The tank must be full of water before
the heater is turned on. Failure to ensure the water heater is full
before turning it on will result in damage to the water heater
and elements, and could result in property damage, serious
personal injury, or death. Such damages ARE NOT covered by
water heater warranty.
Step #9 - Pressure check the tank for leaks around element(s).
a. If leaks are found, repair before wiring the element(s).
b. If no leaks are found, use a Phillips Head screwdriver to
connect the wires to the element and thermostat, if necessary.
See water heater installation manual for thermostat wiring
details.
Step #10 - Reinstall the insulation. Use a 3/8 Nut Driver and the
removed screws to reinstall the access cover(s).
/